July 2, 2025
Tech News
In a significant move, Google has officially discontinued support for its Keep app on Apple Watch, removing it from watchOS entirely. Despite being available for iPhone and iPad, the update signifies a reduced presence of Google apps on Apple’s smartwatch platform.
While Google’s Keep app has faded into the background, the tech giant introduced a new native Google Calendar app for Apple Watch. This comes on the heels of multiple apps being pulled from the platform years ago, sparking hopes that more apps would follow suit.
Despite its removal, Keep remained practical for quick note-taking on the Apple Watch. Users will have to wait for Apple to release a native Notes app with watchOS 26 in the fall to fill the gap left by this cancellation.
In other news, legal software firm Clio announced the acquisition of vLex, a legal data intelligence platform, in a monumental $1 billion deal. Clio, having recently raised $900 million, sees this move as a chance to tap into vLex’s vast legal document database, which can enhance AI models for lawyers.
vLex’s extensive capabilities provide Clio with a competitive edge, especially in a market dominated by other legal databases like those owned by Thomson Reuters and LexisNexis. This partnership allows Clio to broaden its offerings, integrating AI-driven insights into law firm management.
However, not all news is positive. The FCC has decided to pause the enforcement of a rule aimed at reducing the excessively high fees charged for prison phone and video calls. This delay extends the period of high costs for incarcerated individuals and their families until April 2027.
The FCC’s choice to halt this regulation, initially intended to cap a 15-minute call to 90 cents, has drawn criticism from Commissioner Anna Gomez. She argues that these measures are necessary to protect incarcerated individuals and their families from “exorbitant” call fees that often benefit correctional facilities.
Tech Explained
watchOS – This is Apple’s operating system for the Apple Watch, allowing users to run apps specifically designed for this wearable device. The removal of the Google Keep app reflects challenges in maintaining app functionality and support on this platform as technology evolves.
database – A structured set of data held in a computer, especially one that is accessible in various ways. vLex’s robust database of legal documents serves as a crucial asset, enabling more effective AI applications for legal professionals.
prison phone calls – These are telephone communications provided to incarcerated individuals, often monitored and regulated by correctional facilities. The FCC’s regulations aim to reduce the financial burden on prisoners and their families, highlighting the ongoing struggle for affordable communication options.
competitive moat – A business term referring to the advantages that protect a company from its competitors, allowing it to maintain market share and profitability. Clio’s strategy to acquire vLex is aimed at establishing a strong competitive moat through valuable data and advanced technology in the legal field.
